Process of and apparatus for distilling and cracking hydrocarbon oils



b. E. DAY

. PROCESS OF AXQAPPARA'I'US FOR DIsTILLi NG AND CRACKING" HYDRQCHRBONOILS 5 Sheets-Sheet Opiginal Filed Aug. 21.

thou W116 June 17, 1930. D. E.- DAY 1,764,391

PROCESS O1 AND APPARATUS FOR DISTILLJNG AND CRACKING HYDROCARBONOILSoriginal Filed Aug. 21; 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet s June 17, 1939. D. E. DAY 1,1s4,391

PROCESS QF AN D A PPARATUS FOR DISTILLING AND CRACKING HYDROCARBON QILSOriginal Filed Aug. 21- 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 D. E. DAY

Jung l7 PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING AND CRACKING HYDROCARBONOILS Original Filed Aug. 21, 1922 SSheets-Sheet Patented June 17, 1930UNITED STATES PATENr-o DAVID E, DAY, or LOS- ANeELEscALIronNIA- zenocnssor AND APPARATUS ron DISTILLING AND cnAoxINe HrDB/ocARBoN oILsApplication filed August 21,1922, Serial No. 583,170. Renewed December12, 1927.

This invention relates to a process and ap- 1 pipe assembly the outerpipes are nearer the paratus for heat treating hydrocarbon oils andpertains particularly to the distillation and cracking of heavypetroleum oils in such a way'that carbon incrustations within theapparatus may be avoided.

The invention is conducted in apparatus in which a plurality of parallelarranged pipes are so connected to each other and to a central 1o hollowshaft about which they are grouped and with which they rotate, that oilmay be} introduced through the shaft and passed progressively througheachofthe pipes and finally discharged from an axially located dischargeconnection. During this operation heat is applied to the pipearrangement in such a way that the pipes farthest from the center aresubjected to the highest degree of heat, the temperature of which issufficient 2 to effect cracking of the oil in the pipes.

One of the particular features of the presl ent invention relates to theprocess and apparatus by which'liquid oil is treated in a relativelythin stream'and at a very high speed by being passed through anexteriorly heated pipe which contains a spacing bar member extendinglengthwisetherethrough,

thus increasing-the speed of a given cross section of oil as com 'aredto a cross section'of oil in a partorft does not extend;

One outstanding feature of the rocess and apparatus of this-Inventioninclu es the high 1'- speed treatment of oil combined with the re-'sults produced by having a freely movable abrading rod positionedwithin each ofthe pipes which rotate with the center shaft and revolveabout it.

Another particular feature of the, present invention is directed to theparticular treatment of the oil and the sequence in which it is passedthrough the apparatus, This sequence includes the introduction of thefresh or cold oil to a center axial pipe, the'passage of the cold oilfrom the central pipe to the outer pipes of a revoluble series of pipes,the f flowing of the oil from the outer pipes to and through the morecentrally located pipes, and finally, the withdrawal of the oil from theo more central y located pipes. In this cycle e tube in which the rod oftreatment, because in the revolution of the perature is carried through.the hottest tube 1 first and thehthrou h the relatively cooler tubes,the tendency eing to keep the oil in a constant temperature. Y g

Other features and advantages" are de scribed and claimed in thefollowing specification and claims, and illustrated'in the accompanyingdrawings, in which vFigure lrepresents a side elevation of a partialsectiontaken'substantially centrally gand on the line1--1 of Fi ure2through the lengthofthe apparatus, il ustrating the furnace and centralpipe in section y t Figure 2 'iagan end View of the structure shown inFig'iire l taken on the line 22 of" Figure 1, looking in the directionof the arrow; I

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line'3'3 of Figure 1, lookingin the direction of the arrow;

A Figure 4 represents a sectional View, partly broken awa showing theposition of a hollow rod wit in one of the pipes;

Figure 5 represents a cross sectional view taken on the line 55 ofFigure 4; 5

' Figurefi shows'a modified arrangement in Y whiph a plurality of round,solid rods are use I y I Figure 7 represents a cross sectional viewshowing how a square rod may be used;

Figure 8 represents va portion of a twisted solid rod used within thetreatment pipes;

Figure 9 represents a view similant'o that 95 of Figure 4 except thatthe rod within the tube is spacedcentrally from the tube walls;

FigurelO is across sectional view' taken on the line 10v10 of Figure 9;

pipe arrangement in which the diameter'of the pipes is progressivelyreduced from the inlet to the outlet for progressively increasing thespeed of travel of the oil, the oil being led first through the innerpipes;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view in which pipes of the same size areused and rods are positioned only in the tubes near the outlet;

Figure 13'is a view similar to that of Figure 12, illustrating pipes ofuniform size and progressively larger rods within the pipes from theinlet to the outlet; and

Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figures 12 and 13 illustratinguniform sized pipes and a progressive increase in the number of rodsfrom the inlet to the outlet end.

Referring in detail to the figures of the drawings, like numerals referto like parts in the different figures. The furnace structure ofsuitable concrete, brick, or other building material is indicated at 1.A fire box 2 having an opening 3 is shown in the lower part of thefurnace 1, and a stack, not shown, may

, lead from the upper portion of the furnace at one end thereof.

Extending lengthwise through the furnace are a plurality. of pipesconnected together to form a rotatable pipe still, the details of whichwill now be described. A centrally 'located horizontal pipe or tube 4 isjournaled at opposite ends of the furnace in the supporting bearings 5which are cooled or lubricated by cooling liquid or oil in a channel 5formed in the upper portion of the bearing 5. The bearing is mountedatthe upper end of supporting legs or braces 6, which in turn have abase portion 7 mountedat one end on a masonry support 8 and securedthereby by fastening screws or bolts 9, and at the opposite end adjacentthe furnace door opening the bearing 5 is supported on girders 10 whichbridge the space opposite the furnace opening 3. The bearing is providedwith a suitable bushing of cast iron encircling the pipe 4 as indicatedat 11, and the bushing is preferably keyed to the pipe 4. l r

In the particular arrangement of still illustrated, twenty-nine pipesare grouped about the central pipe 4. These pipes are numberedconsecutively from 12 to 40, and the particular sequence of theirconnection may be understood from an inspection of Figures 2 and 3'which show one arrangement of inlet and Outlet connection in which theoil is first led to the outer pipes and then taken oif from the innerones. In Figures 11-14, inclusive, a different arrangement of connectionis provided by which oil is led first to the inner pipes and then takenoff from the outer pipe. These pipes 1240, inclusive, are positioned andfixed in parallel relation and are grouped around the central pipe 4 andhave their ends connected by return bend portions 41 in such a mannerthat the pipes are connected in series. the hollow central pipe 4 beingin, ported .1 easer site ends of the furnace, and near the ends of thepipes, are spacing plates 42 which have a circular periphery and throughwhich the individual pipes project and have a relatively tightconnection. The purpose of these spacing plates 42 is also to preventthe escape of heat and heating gases from the furnace and to confine theheat and the heating gases to the space immediately about the group ofpipes 1240. To further provide for a tight fit at the periphery of theplates 42 a complementary stationary annular plate 48 is mounted at eachend of the furnace and in close, but spaced relation to the plates 42.The plates 42 have anintimately projecting flange 42 which is adapted tomove in a channel shaped extension 43 continued from the plate 43. Thusin the rotary movement of the group of pipes and the plates 42, thetortuous passage provided between the parts 42 and 43 limits the escapeof the heating gases from the furnace. The plates 42 are preferablywelded to the exterior of the pipe 4 or otherwise braced so as to movewith the pipe 4 during the rotation of the pipes with and about the pipe4 as an axis. The pipes 12-40, inclusive, are illustrated as havingflanges 44 at their ends to which may be secured by bolts, notillustrated, the corresponding flanges of the end bend portions 41. Inorder to make possible a compactassembly, and also provide space for theflanges 44, the pipes 1240 are positioned in staggered endwise relationso that next adjacent pipes project alternately further from the plates42 on the opposite ends of the-rotatable assembly.

The particular apparatus and the manner of introducing and leading oifthe oil treated will now be described. An intake pipe for fresh oil isindicated at.45, and it will be noted that this pipe is slightly olfcenter with respect to the center of the pipe 4. An outlet pipe for oilwhich has been treated is indicated at 46, and this pipe is illustratedas in alignment with the center of the pipe 4. Both of these pipes 45and46 are illustrated as screw threaded in a stufling box structurehaving a stationary block member 47, which in turn has cylindricalsleeves 47 and 47 providing an annular space therebetween. The purposeof this arrangement is to provide an oil tight fit against the movableportion of the still, as will be shown. The pipe 4, at one side of thebearing 5, has a plate 48, having a cylindrical flange 48 projectingtherefrom which is adapted to lit in the space between the sleeves 47'"and 47". A springheld annular clamping flange 49 fits over the iouter-end edge portion of the plate 48 and has a central opening 49throughwhich a cen-v tral extension 48. projects from the plate 48 andis coupledonto the central pipe 4 at 48.

The flange 49 is secured tothe plate 47 by bolts 50 which haveheads 51,nuts 51, and springs 52, which latter are held and moved in openings 53formed in the rear of the flange 49. In practice a series of the springheld bolts 50 are positioned around the margin of the plate 48 and theflange 49 to yieldably hold the plate 48. and the block member 47 inengagement. The position of the flange 48 between the sleeves 47' 'and47 serves to assist in centering the partsand to provide an oil tightseal. Packing material 54 is pro vided between 47 a and 47 b at theinner end of 'the space to assist in preventing the leakage of oil, andoil vents are indicatedat 54 fhroughthe block 47. A similar arrangementof concentric flanges is provided to maintain an oil tight but rotatableconnection between the oil inlet passage and the oiloutlet passage aswill now bedescribed. The

oil outlet pipe 46 terminates at the centerof theblock 47. An inner oiloutlet pipe' 55 is positioned centrally within and spaced from the pipe'4, and extends therethrough from a point on the still side, of onebearing and terminates near the inner end of the pipe 46 and in.alignment therewith. The opposite and still-end of'the pipe 553'sconnected to the pipes of the still, as willbe described herein after.The block 47 has a second set of concentric flanges corresponding to theflanges 47 and 47 and indicated at 47 for the inner flange, and 47 forthe outer flange, and both of them sel'vingto provide an annular spaceopenin g within the flange 47.

thercbetween. Fitted into this space is a cylindrical'flange 56 whichclosely encircles the pipe 55 and is fixed to it by clamping screws 57.The extreme outer end of the pipe 55 is closely rotatably fitted intothe,central The inner end of the part 56 has a plurality of spacedfingers 58 projecting alongthe pipe 55 and serving to space the innerend of the flange 56 from the next adjacent/face of the part 48 so thatfresh oil may pass between the fingers 58 from the pipe 45 inwardly andalong the exterior of the outlet pipe 55. The space between theflanges47 and 47 is also provided with packing material 54 and similaropenings leading thereto through the block 47 are indicated at 54?. Thisdescription'applies to the stufling box end of the apparatus.

The end of the apparatus opposite to the stufiing box is used for accessto the fire box through the doorway 3. The end of the central pipe 4,farthest removed from the stuffing box, is provided witha cover-plate orcap 4", to tightly close that end of the pipe and prevent oil fromleaking. The cap 4 .-:erves also for inspection and cleaning of theinterior of the pipe-4. I Between the plate 42 and the end bearing nearthe cap 4 is a lead 0a pipe4 'extending-from the central pipe 4 to thepipe 12, the first of, the series of the pipes 12-40, inclusive, locatedin the outer group of pipes. The last pipeofthisi series,

'40, is illustrated as one ofatheiinner group of pipes and is positionedbetween the center and the pipe12.; The end of the pipe 40 next.

adjacent the stuffing box is connected-to the outlet pipe 55by a pipe 55which extends centrally toward the central pipe 4 between the plate 42and the bearing, pro ects through the pipe 4, and is continued withinthe pipe 4 as the pipe 55.

A sprocket wheelfor applying power to revolve the still is'indicated at59 on the central pipe 4 and is located between the stufling.

box and the adjacent bearing] 7 Scraping means or'scouring means ispro-- .vided for the interior ofeach of the pipes 12-40, inclusive, andalso, ifdesirable, for the interior of the central pipe 4, rods 60 whichextend lengthwise" of the pipes and which are'inserted from the ends ofthe pipes when the bends 41 are removed? These rods I 60 have preferablyacross sectional area at least as great as half the cross sectional areaof the bore of the pipes. The rods normally rest on the inner lowersurface of the pipes and are adapted to slide and roll around the innersurface of the pipes as the latter are revolved about the pipe 4 as anaxis. In this 1 movement the rods serve as abrading ele- 'ments andgrind away any carbon which may be deposited on the inner surfaces ofthe eed of the oil as it flows through the pipes, is invention havingshown that :a given cross section of oil flows much more swiftly pipes.The rods serve also to increase the s (7 through theportion of the pipecontaining the rod than through a portion of the pipe, such as the endportions or a'similar section without a rod, in which no spacing memberis positioned. The rod, in addition to increasing the speed of theoilfserves to reduce the thickness of the body of oil to be heated inany given cross section of oil in the part of the pipe not containingtherod. This relatively thin body of oil is accordingly much more readilyand quickly heated, and because of its increased speed, reduces to aminimum the, formation of carbon on the inner surface of the pipes, .thespeed serving arrangement inwhich a plurality of rods,

three in this view, are used. A plurality of rods may serve particularlyeificiently in certain instances because the tumbling action of the rodsis multiplied and the removal of carbon is thus made more positive.Figure 7 l shows a form of square rod, and Figure 8 shows a fragmentaryview of a twisted ar- -.;-}..rangement of solid-rod, which, because ofratus will now be described.

" 'T'its cutting edges, has' been found particularly efiicient forscouring out carbon formations. Figure 9 shows the rod positionedcentrally within one of the tubes and spaced from the walls of the tubesby spacing lugs 63 which may be secured to the rod before insertion inthe pipe. This. arrangement may be desirable where the invention isconducted particularly for the high speed feature of the invention, andin cases where there seems no need for the abrading action of the rodwithin the pipe or tube, such as would be the case if the rod was freelymovable. Figure 9 and Figure 10, which latter is a cross sectional viewof the structureshown in Figure 9, illustrate the same type of hollowspacing rod as is shownin Figure 4. Figures 11-14, inclusive, illustratea modified arrangement for the intake'and outlet connection by which theoil is led first through the inner series of pipes and progressivelythrough the next outer ones. Claims to this particular sequence ofFigures 11-14 are presented in my copending application, Serial No.583,169, filed August 21, 1922.

The operation of the process and the appa- Oil is introduced through thepipe 45, through the stuffing box, and through the length of the centralpipe which is thus kept full of cold Oll. The oil is then led throughthe pipe 4 from which it passes into the pipe 12, from which latter itis conducted into the next adjacent pipej13, and so on through each ofthe pipes of the series 12-40, inclusive, being introduced into, one endof the pipe and discharged from the opposite end, and being reintroducedin a similar manner into an adjacent pipe. In this manner the oil ismoved progressively through each of the pipes in series, first in onedirection through the length of the still and then in the oppositedirection in the next adjacent pipe. In the arrangement shown in Figures2 and 3 tl1e oil is first passed. through the group of pipes mostdistant from the center pipe 4 and then through the pipes more closelygrouped about the center pipe. The particular sequence of connecting thepipes forms apart of this present invention,- and the invention includesthe idea of heating the, outer group of pipes more intensely by havingthe outer group closest to the source of heat in the lower part of thefurnace. After the oil has been subjected in-the assembly of pipes totemperature conditions which are at least suilicient to effect crackingconditions within the pipes, the oil is led back from the pipe 40 intothe discharge pipe 55 located g vithin pipe 4: and discharged throughthe plp'e 46.

n the passage through the pipe 55, within the pipe, 4, the oil servesto, slightly preheat the incoming oil in the annular space immediatelysurrounding the pipe 55. The apparatus which thus provides for a flow ofcold oil through the length of the center pipe 4 is particularlyeflicient because the oil serves to keep the material of the pipe fairlycool and to prevent it from overheating andweakening. There isconsiderable weight on the pipe 4: due to the structure of the pipeassembly carried by it, and the long extent of the pipe 4 within thefurnace structure makes 7 it particularly desirable to have the pipe.filled with cold oil rather than the previously heated oil. The reasonfor this is apparent because it is-well known that metal, such as ashaft, at a high temperature, is much more apt to become deformed understrain than the same shaft at normal temperatures. Ac-

co'rdingly, because they hollow shaft supports all of the weight of theretort, it is very essential to keep'the shaft as cold as possible.

There is another reason why the oil is initially introduced intothecentral shaft and first passed throughthe length of this shaft.

This involves one of the important features of the invention which isbased on the fact that the velocity of the oil within thepipe system isincreased progressively as it passes through the system. The reasons forthis treatment and the arrangement of apparatus which makes the processpossible are described. The cross sectional area of the centralhollowshaft 4 is greater than the crosssectional area of any of thesurroundingv pipes of the system, and thus the velocity of the oilpassing through the shaft is less than the velocity of the oil passingthrough the individual pipes; Thus if the oil after crackof a fluidwhich may be a liquid, or a vapor,

or a combination of the two, but which in any case carries carbon withit mechanically, the velocity of this liquid determines the amount ofcarbon which may be mechanically carried. Thus a fluid with a highvelocit will transport more mechanically carrie carbon than a fluid witha low velocity. It follows that when a fluid travelling at a highvelocity, and carrying the maximum amount of carbon possible at thatvelocity, is slowed down and its velocity decreased, some of this.carbon will drop out and deposit on the walls fluid increased as theamount of crackingincreased, or in other words, as the amount of carbonto be carried increased. To increase the velocity of a fluid it isnecessary to either increase the volume of fluid flowing through a pipeor series of pipes of constant cross section, or to progressivelydecrease the cross section of the pipes for a constant' volume of fluid.It is evident that in the,

heat treatment of an oil in a pipe still of uniform pipe size, the firstmethod of increasing the velocity is conductedautomatically, the Volumeof the oil constantly increas-v ing on account of expansion due toheating and partial vaporizat on. To increase th s effect would involveprogressively decreasing the net cross sectional area of the pipes, theoil passing from large to smaller passages progressively. Net crosssectional area may be defined as the total cross sectional area of,

a tube minus the total cross sectional area of any restriction or thesum of the cross sectional areas of any restrictions. A restriction maybe due to a decrease in the bore of the tube or to the presence of a rodor rods or other obstruction Within the bore of the "tube. This effectmay be produced by a Variet of constructions, such as by progressive ydecreasing the, size of the pi es in a rotatable still containing norods, or y using rods in the group of pipes next adjacent the outlet, orby using rodsof progressively increased size in the tubes from the'inletto the outlet, or by increasing the number of rods progressively fromthe inlet to the outlet.

11 the present apparatus, as illustrated in Figs..1-3 inclusive, thecenter shaft 4 has a larger cross sectional area than the crosssectional area of the pipes of the still which are grouped about thecenter shaft. The difference in cross sectional area is accentuated bythe presence in the smaller pipes 12 40, in-

. elusive, of rods. In the passage of oil through the systeimit movesrelatively slowly through the large bore of the center shaft 4 andincreases speed as it passes through thesmaller bore of the pipes 1240.It will be observed that only the straight portions of the center shaft4 and the pipes 1240 inclusive, lies within the heating space andbetween the plates 42 of the furnace. Accordingly, the chief portion ofany carbon which would tend to deposit would be along that heatedportion in the straight portions of the pipes,and substantially noca'rbonwo uld tend to collect within the-bends joining the pipes becausethevbends are located outside of the furnace structure. Referring toFigs 11-l4 inclusive, arrangementsof'pipe's and tubes are shown by whichthe net cross sectional area of the tubes may be decreased progresesive'ly from the inlet to theoutlet end. In the structure shown in thesefigures the oil is led first to the inner series and thence through theouter pipe. Fig. 11 shows diagrammatically the arrangement of the tubesof the stillin which the diameter of the pipes used is progressivelyreduced from the inlet tothe outlet. The central axial pipe 4 has aroundit three successive rows of pipes and the pipes next adjacent the centerpipe are slightly larger than those of the intermedi ate group, and thepipes of the intermediate group are slightly smaller than the firstmentioned group and slightly larger than those of the outer series.Thus, the center shaft may have a diameter of 12 inches, the nextadjacent group may be 8 inches in diameter, the next group orintermediate group may be 6 inches in diameter, and the outer row may be4 inches in diameter. In this diagrammatic representation, the-lastmember of the outer group indicated at 40 is intended to be directlyconnected to the outlet 'pipe,

as indicated at 55 in dotted lines, The first or receiving pipe of theseries is indicated at 12. Oil flows from the center pi e l-t0 the pipe12, and progressively throug the pipes of the inner group of pipes, toandthrou h the intermediate group of pipes and firmly to and through theouter series. In this arrangement, the ends 'of'the. pipes -may be.connected by return bend portions in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1-,2 and 3,211-

though the particular direction of the re turn bends might be slightlydiife'rent. Referring to. Fig. 12, the reduction in the net crosssectional area'isefi'ected by using pipes of a uniforin'size and byusing rods withi the pipes of the outer series, that is, in the pipesnext adjacent the outlet. In this case,

if the centralshaft has adiameter of 12 inches, the pipes of the stillmay have a diameter of 4 inches, and the rods in the outer group ofpipes may have a diameter of 1% inches. In Fig. 13, a. reduction isefiected by using pipes'of a uniform size and increasing the size of thereds progressively from the inner series to the outer series. Thus, ifthe central shaft has adiameter of 12-inches, each of the pipes may be 4.inches in diameter. Rods 1 inch in diameter may be used in the innergroup, of pipes, rods 1 inches in diameter in the intermediate group,and rods 2 inches in diameter in the outer group. In

Fig. 14, the reduction in the net cross sectional area is obtained byusing a progressively increasing number of rods in pi es of uniformsize. Thus, if the central shaft is 12 inches, the 'pipes may have adiameter of 4 inches. In the inner group, a single rod having a diameterof 1 inch each is used. In the outer group, three rods of 1 inch eachare used.

In this invention, where reference is made.

and to the use 0 a freely movable rod wit in such pipes.

Claims directed to the passage of thecold oil from the center shaftfirst through the inner pipes and thence to the outer :pipes and thefinal return from the outer pipes are resented in m copendingapplication, erial 452,797, filed May 15, 1930.

I claim:

1. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from highboiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises forcing liquid oil to betreated at high speed into and in one .direction through a tube mountedto revolve about a given center and moving the oil at relativelyincreasedspeed as compared to the prior rate of speed as it passeslengthwise of a rod freely movably located in said tube and extendinglengthwise thereof, subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applieddirectly to the exterior of the tube sufiicient to effect crackingconditions therein, the increased speed of movement of the oil in theregion of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

2. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from highboiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to betreated under pressure and at high speed into and in one directionthrough a tube mounted for rotation about a given center and having in aportion thereof a freely movable rod extending lengthwise of the tube,passing the oil between the rod and the interior of the tube at a speedgreater than the speed of the oil in that portion of the tube notcontaining the rod, the increased speed of movement of the oil in theregion of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

3. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises forcingliquid oil to be treated at high speed into a tube mounted to revolveabout a given center in one direction through it, moving the oil atrelatively increased speed as compared to the prior rate of speed as itpasses lengthwise of a rod freely movable in the tube and extendinglengthwise thereof and subjecting the oil to a heat treatmentapplieddirectly to the exterior of the tube s'uflicient to efiectvolatilization conditions therein, the increased speed of movement ofthe oil in the region of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

4.'The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils'which comprisesintroducing the oil to be treated under pressure and at high speed intoand in one direction through a tube mounted for rotation about a givencenter and having in a portion thereof a freely movable rod extendinglengthwise of the tube, passing the oil between the rod and the interiorof the tube at a speed greater than the speed of the oil in that portionof the tube not containing the rod, the increased speedof movement ofthe oil in the region gf the rod aiding to prevent deposit of car- 5.The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boilinghydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing oil to be treated firstinto the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series andmountedto rotate about a center, passing the oil progressively from theoutermembcrs farthest removed from the center to the centrally locatedpipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly tothe exterior of' the pipes sufficient to effect cracking conditionswithin at least some of the pipes.

6.' The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from highboiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing oil to be treatedfirst into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in seriesand mounted to rotate about a center, passing the voil progressivelyfrom the outer members farthest removed from the center to the centrallylocated pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applieddirectly to the exterior of the pipes sufficient to effect crackingconditions within at least some of the pipes, the heat being appliedmore intensely to the outer pipes than to the pipes positionedcentrally.

7. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from highboiling hydro carbon oils which comprises introducing oil t9,be treatedfirst into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in seriesand mountedto rotate about acenter and having a freely movable rodpositioned in each pipe, passing the oil progressively from the outermembers farthest-removed from the center to the centrally located pipes,and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly I nected inseries and mounted to rotate about a center and havin a freely movablerod positioned in each pipe, passing the oil progressively from theouter'members farthest removed from the-center to the centrally locatedpipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly tothe exterior of the pipes sulficient to eifect cracking: conditionswithinat least some of the pipes.

9. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprisesintroducing the oil to be treated first into the outer members of aplurality of pipes connected in series and mounted to rotate abouta'center, passing the oil progressivel from the outer members farthestremove trally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatmentapplied directly to the exterior of the ipes suflicie'nt to the efl'ectvolatilization wit 1n at least some of the pipes. 10. The process ofheat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to betreated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connectedin series and mounted to rotateabout a center, passing the oilprogressively from the outer members farthest removed from the center to'the centrally.

, of the pipes.

trally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatmentapplieddirectly to the exterior of the pipes sufficient to effectvolatilization within at least some of the pipes,

the heat being applied more intensely to the outer pipes than to thepipes positioned cen- 11. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oilswhich comprises introducing the oil to be treated first into the outermembers of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mounted torotate about a center and having a freely movable rod positioned in eachpipe,

passing the oil progressively from the outer;

members farthest removed from the center to the centrally located pipes,and sub'ecting the oil to a heat treatment applie die the pipessufiicient to effect volatilization within at least some o'f the pipes13. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable axle tubular throughout its length, a pipe extending parallelto said axle and in communication with the interior of said axle andrevoluble about it, a rod within said pipe and from the center to thecen-' ed in each of said extending lengthwise thereof, and means forintroducing material-to said pipe through said axle, said rod having across sectional area at least as great as onehalf the bore of the pipe.

14. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocar a plurality of mounted torotate about a fixed axis, and a freely movable bon oil materialcomprising plpes connected in series an rod in each of said pipesextending lengthwise thereof, each rod having a cross sec tional area atleast as great as one half the bore of the pipe.

- 15. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarv bon oil material comprisinga rotatable axle tubular throughout its length,.a pipe extendingparallel to said axle and in communication with the interior of saidaxle and revoluble about it, afreelymovable rod within said pipe andextending lengthwise thereof, and means for introducing material to saidpipe through said axle, said rod having a.

cross sectional areaat least as half the bore of the pipe.

16. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from highboilinghydrocarbon oils which comprises forcingliquid great as one ,oilto be treated at high speed into and in 7 one direction through a tubemounted to revolve about a (given center and having therein a rod extening'lengthwi'se of the tube and spaced from the wall thereof, moving theoil at relatively increased speed as it passes the rod, and as comparedto the speed before reachin'gthe rod, and subjecting theoil to a heattreatment'applied directly to, the exterior of the tubesuflicient toeffect cracking conditions therein.

17. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising aplurality of substantially arallel pipes mounted to rotate about a xed'axis, a plurality of pipe bends each 'connecting with 'the adjacent endsof pairs of pipes to be connected, and arod re'movably mounted in eachof said pipes and extending lengthwise thereof and spaced independentlyof said pipe bends.

. 18.' Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oils comprising aplurality 'of substahtiallyvparallel pipes connected in series andmounted to rotate about a fixed axis, a plurality'. of pipe bends each,ponnecting with the adjacent ends of pairs of pipes to be connected,and a straight rod 'removably mountipes and extending lengthwise thereofand spaced from the inentlyof saidibends, each of said rods having across sectional area at least as great as. one-half the cross sectionalarea of the pipe in which it is positioned.

19. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable 1101-" from the inner wall thereof and supported ner wallthereof and supported independlow axle, a first-pipe extending parallelto third pipe.

said hollow axle and revoluble about it,'a second pipe connected to saidhollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third pipeextending from said hollow axle to'said first pipe and providingcommunication for oil between said hollow axle and said first pipe, anda furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipeandhaving both of its opposite end walls located between said third pipeand said second pipe.

20. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollowaxle and revoluble about it, a second pipe connected to said hollow axlefor the introduction of oil to He treated, a third ipe extending fromsaid hollow axle to sai first pipe and providing communication for oilbetween said hollow axle and said first pipe, a bearing supporting saidhollow axle at a point between said second pipe andsaid third pipe, anda furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said low axle, afirst pipe extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble aboutit, .a second pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction ofoil to be treated, a third pipe extending from said hollow axle to saidfirst pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow-axleand said first pipe, a bearing supportingsaid. hollow axle at a pointbetween said second pipe and the plane of revolution of said first pipe,a fur nace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipeand located between said bearing and said third pipe, and a dischargepipe 'for hot oil in ported communication with said first pipe andrevoluble therewith and extending centrally toward said hollow axle,into it, and thence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation fromthe walls thereof and'past said bearing.

24. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil'material comprising arotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series andextending parallel to said holfirst pipe and having both of its oppositeend low axle and revoluble about it, an inlet pipe walls located betweensaid bearing and said 21. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oilmaterial comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extendingparallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, a second pipeconnected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated,a third pipe extending from said hollow axle to said first pipe andproviding communication for oil between said hollow axle and said firstpipe, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point between saidsecond pipe and the plane of revolution of said first pipe, and afurnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said'first pipe andhaving both of its opposite end walls located between said bearing andsaid third pipe.

22. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollowaxle and revoluble about it, a second. pipe connected to said hollowaxle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third i extending fromsaid hollow axle to saiffii st pipe and providing communication for oilbetween said hollow axle and said first pipe, a bearing supporting saidhollow axle at a oint between said second pipeand said thir ipe, afurnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipe andlocated between saidbea-ring and said third pipe, and a'discharge pipefor hot oil in ported communication with said first pipe and revolubletherewith and extending centrally toward said hollow axle, into it, andthence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the wallsthereof and past said bearing. a

23. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable holconnected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oiltobe treated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle tosaid plurality of'pipes and providing communication for oil between saidhollow axle and said plurality of pipes, and a furnace embracingaportion of said hollow axle and said plurality'of pipes and having bothof its opposite end walls located between said inlet pipe and saidintermediate pi e.

25. Apparatus for heat treating iiydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series andextending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, an inletpipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to betreated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle to saidplurality of pipes and providing communication for oil between saidhollow axle and said plurality of pipes, a bearing supporting saidhollow axle at a point betweensaid inlet pipe and said intermediatepipe, and a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and saidplurality of pipes and having both of its opposite end walls locatedbetween said 2 bearing and-said intermediate pipe.

26. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising arotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series andextending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, an inletpipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduc tion of oil to betreated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle to saidplurality of pipes and providing communication, for oil-between saidhollow axle and said plurality of pipes, a bearing supporting saidhollow axle at a point between said inlet pipe andithe plane ofrevolution of said plurality of pipes, and a furnace embracing a rality0 portion of said hollow axle and said'plurality of pipes andhaving-both of its opposite end walls located between said bearing andsaid intermediate ipe. 27. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oilmaterial comprising a rotatable hol plurality of pipes, a bearingsupporting said hollow axle at a point between said inlet pipe and saidintermediate pipe, a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle andsaid plurality of pipes and located between said caring and saidintermediate pipe, and a discharge pipe for hot oil connected to and inported communication with said luralit of pipes and revoluble therewithand exten ing centrally towards said hollow axle, into it, and thencecentrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the walls thereof andpast said bearing.

28. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocar bon oil material comprising arotatable holj series and extendin .said hollow axle and said low axle,a plurality of pipes connected in parallel to said hollow axle andrevoluble a out it, an inlet pipe connected to said hollow axle forthetion of oil to betreated, an intermediate pipe extending from saidhollow axleto said plurality of pipesand providing communication foroilbetween said hollow axle and said lurality of pipes, a bearingsupporting said 01- low axle at a point between said inlet pipe and theplane of revolution of said plurality of pipes, a furnace embracing aportion of plurality of pipes and located between said bearing and saidintermediate pipe, oil connected to and in ported communication withsaid plurality of pipes and revolublc therewith and extending centrallytov wards said hollow axle,-into it, and thence centrally therethroughand in spaced relation from the walls thereof and past said bearing.

29. Apparatus for heating hydrocarbon oilscomprising a furnace,arotatable pipe assembly comprising a plurality of pipes connected inseries and within said furnace, said assembly having an initial heatingchamber and a final outlet pipe, the net cross sectional capacity ofsaid initial heating chamber being greater than the cross sectional.capacity of t e general average of all of the pipes of said systembetween said initial treatment chamber and said outlet pipe.

In testimony'whereof I alfix my signature. 4 DAVID E. DAY,

parallel to said hollow introducand a discharge'pipe for hot-

